PCOS Specialist

What causes PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs in women who have high levels of insulin, which in turn causes unusually high levels of male hormones (androgens) like testosterone.

Women’s bodies typically produce a small amount of testosterone. When androgen levels rise above average, your ovaries can’t function normally, and ovulation stops or becomes irregular.

What symptoms develop due to PCOS?

Women with PCOS have at least two of three primary symptoms:

Abnormal menstrual bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding includes heavy periods, no periods, and irregular periods, which are also called metrorrhagia.

Multiple ovarian cysts

You can have PCOS and not have ovarian cysts, despite the condition’s name that implies you must be polycystic. You may also have ovarian cysts and not have PCOS. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that commonly develop inside your ovaries during your monthly cycle. They cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, pain during your period or intercourse, and abnormal uterine bleeding.

Excessive androgens

When your androgen levels are high, you develop symptoms such as hair loss, acne, and dark hair growth (hirsutism). Women can often experience hair growth on the face, chest, and thighs. An estimated 70% of women with PCOS have hirsutism.

Does PCOS cause health problems?

The hormonal imbalances that cause PCOS affect many different areas of your body. If you have PCOS, you have a higher risk of health problems such as:

• Infertility
• Weight gain
• Type 2 diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Cardiovascular disease

PCOS is one of the top three causes of infertility.

How is PCOS treated?

Your Dunwoody OB/GYN, LLC, doctor customizes your treatment based on your overall health and your future pregnancy plans. You may control PCOS symptoms with birth control pills that regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce androgens.

Losing weight, if needed, makes a big difference. Dropping weight can help regulate your menstrual cycle and prevent or treat insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. If you have diabetes, medications to maintain healthy insulin levels can lower androgen levels and improve ovulation.

If you’re trying to get pregnant, your doctor first tries to restore ovulation through weight loss and medications. But if medications don’t help, you may need highly specialized surgery to temporarily increase spontaneous ovulation or assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization.

At the first sign of PCOS, call Dunwoody OB/GYN, LLC, or schedule an appointment online.